DNR makes more permits available for 2006 Camp Ripley archery hunts

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting applications on July 1 for the 2006 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 19-20 or Oct. 28-29. A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, will be made available, which is more than a 10 percent increase over last year.

Hunters may choose from three options this year to apply for the Camp Ripley deer hunts: through the DNR's computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,800 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota, by telephone at 1-888-665-4236 or at the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. The deadline to apply is Aug. 18. Those who apply by phone will be charged an additional convenience fee of $3.50 per transaction. This year, participants will be allowed to use bonus permits and take up to two deer during their hunt.

To apply, resident and nonresident hunters will need one of the following: a valid state driver's license or state issued identification card with current address, a firearms safety certificate number, or a MDNR number found on a recent Minnesota fishing and hunting license. It is important that the identification card used reflects the current mailing address; this is where the winning notification will be sent if an applicant is successful in the computer preference drawing.

Applicants must be at least 12 years of age prior to Oct. 19, 2006. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate, a previous hunting license, or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.

Hunters applying for a permit will be asked a series of questions. It is recommended that they prepare for these questions by completing a worksheet prior to making an application. Hunt application worksheets are available on the DNR's Web site, from the DNR License Bureau or from an ELS agent. Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group of up to four individuals. Group members may only apply for the same two-day season.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.